Happy Halloween, Everybody: Frank Zappa's "Halloween 78" Presents Epic NYC Concert, More

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Frank Zappa's annual Halloween concerts in New York City were far more treat than trick. Now, following similar releases for his shows in 1973, 1977, and 1981, Zappa Records and UMe are releasing Halloween 78 on October 24 in a variety of formats. The nearly four-hour long, marathon October 31, 1978 show at the late, lamented Palladium (now the home of a New York University dormitory) will be available as part of a 5CD set also including a bonus show from the beginning of the Palladium run, on October 27, 1978.

The 5CD edition follows in the tradition of the past boxes in including a costume - in this case, Frank as a devil. To make the transformation complete, the box includes a mask as well as a pitchfork (!) with a UV light that will illuminate "secrets" in the package. A grimoire-style book presents Lynn Goldsmith's photos of the evening plus liner notes by Vaultmeister Joe Travers and artwork by the team at Fantoons (who also designed the mask). Is that too much Zappa for you? (Say it ain't so!) If so, Zappa/UMe will also release two unique-colored vinyl LPs and a 1CD edition. Lastly, a digital version will include all tracks on the 5CD set.

Zappa's annual Halloween shows took root at New Jersey's (also sadly demolished) Capitol Theatre in 1972 before moving to Chicago in 1973 and then, finally, New York City in 1974. Zappa knew how special these yearly events were, even filming Baby Snakes: The Movie at the 1977 shows. Sadly, the tradition was short-lived, taking a break in 1979 and 1980 (the latter year for health reasons) before returning in 1981 with two shows taped for broadcast on MTV and therefore designed as much for the at-home viewing audience as those in the Palladium's seats. In 1982, Frank didn't stage a concert but, instead, introduced The Dub Room Special video (which included some footage from Halloween 1981) and hosted a costume contest on Halloween night at The Ritz (a.k.a. Webster Hall).

The complete 1978 concert has been sourced and newly mixed for this premiere release from the original 24-track tapes recorded by Zappa. It features the leader/guitarist supported by drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassists Arthur Barrow and Patrick O'Hearn, keyboardists Peter Wolf and Tommy Mars, singer-guitarist Denny Walley, and percussionist Ed Mann. Typical for Zappa, he challenged the band with incendiary improvisations and unexpected tunes; his calling out "Peaches en Regalia" without warning led to one of the classic instrumental's finest live performances.

The night's set boasted both new material ("Dancin' Fool," "City of Tiny Lites," and "Bobby Brown Goes Down" would appear on 1979's Sheik Yerbouti) and oldies from 1968's We're Only In It for the Money ("Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance"), 1971's 200 Motels ("Magic Fingers"), 1974's Apostrophe (') (the "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" suite), and more, as well as concert specialties such as "The Story of Ms. X" featuring Warren Cuccurullo. The audience kept up with all of the new material; "Suicide Chump," "Easy Meat," "Keep It Greasy," and "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing" had all yet to be included on a Frank Zappa album. "Packard Goose" appeared in early form prior to its inclusion (along with "Keep it Greasy") on 1979's Joe's Garage.

Renowned Indian violinist L. Shankar joined the group for the run of shows, adding new colors to their sound. (Zappa referred to him as "The Bionic Parrot" as a nod to his Halloween costume.) Saturday Night Live star Laraine Newman also made an appearance.

The opening track from Halloween night, "Ancient Armaments," is streaming now. (Listen on YouTube or at your favorite digital provider!) This is the full version from the concert; Zappa was so happy with his improvised performance that he edited it down as the B-side of his 1980 single "I Don't Want to Get Drafted."

The smaller editions of Halloween 78 each feature selected highlights. The first 2LP set is pressed on 180-gram "Candy Corn" color vinyl with a pop-out paper mask, gatefold packaging, and a booklet with rare photos and art, while the second 2LP highlights edition arrives on 180-gram "Blood Spatter" color vinyl, and is also housed in gatefold packaging. (Audio is identical for these LPs.) The single CD release has the same fifteen highlights.

All formats are due from Zappa/UMe on October 24, just in time for Halloween, and are available for order now directly through Zappa's online store. You'll find the track listing and pre-order links below.

Frank Zappa, Halloween 78 (Zappa/UMe, 2025) (Zappa Online Store)

CD 1: Live At The Palladium, NYC / 10-31-78